HOUSTON – Shawn Nelson, 39, of Houston and a former vice-president at Members Choice Credit Union, has entered a plea of guilty to embezzling approximately $340,000 from the bank, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.

Court records reflect that Nelson was a vice-president of lending at Members Choice Credit Union in Houston. From 2001 through 2009, Nelson opened signature loan accounts in his friends’ and family members’ names without their authorization and then withdrew money from accounts without their authorization. By the time the fraud was discovered, Nelson had stolen more than $340,000 from the credit union.

U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison, has set sentencing for Sept. 26, 2013, at which time Nelson faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million fine. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Nelson has agreed to forfeit approximately $340,000.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Sharad S. Khandelwal and Kristine Rollinson are prosecuting.